How to complete the Regional Unified Do not attempt Cardio-

Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) Form

Information for Decision MakersAcknowledgement: Adapted from Liverpool CCG, with kind permission

You should consider using the DNACPR form (as part of Advance Care Planning), if you would not be surprised if the patient were to die in the next year.

When should I use the DNACPR form?

Your organisation has been supplied with a pack of DNACPR forms, along with copies of the patient information leaflet.

To obtain more contact…… [to be added once agreed]

Where can I get a copy of the DNACPR form?

The DNACPR form is designed to be transferable between all care settings and to be held by the patient.

The form carries a clear message that it is related to cardio-pulmonary resuscitation only. This ensures patients known to be approaching the end of life receive appropriate care and treatment, and are not resuscitated inappropriately or against their wishes.

It also takes into consideration the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and gives a legitimate framework in which to discuss cardio-pulmonary resuscitation at the end of life.

About the form

Using a black ball-point pen, clearly complete:

- The persons full name - Address- Date of birth- NHS or hospital number- Date of writing the decision- Institution where the form is being completed- If the patient has consented to share this decision with other Health Care Professionals

How to complete the DNACPR form

1. The reason for the DNACPR decision

Completing the DNACPR form (cont). . .

2. The health care professional making the decision

including signature

Completing the DNACPR form (cont). . .

This decision will be regarded as ongoing unless: A definite review date is specified There are improvements in the person’s condition Their expressed wishes change where a 1b & 1c

decision is concerned.All DNACPR decisions are subject to ongoing monitoring to ensure they remain appropriate; it is recommended that a review date be considered and entered on the DNACPR form if appropriate. It is important to note that a review date does not equate to an expiry date for ongoing decisions and remains clinically appropriate and valid.

Completing the DNACPR form (cont). . .

Completing the DNACPR form (cont …)Review of the decision

It is the responsibility of the person completing the DNACPR form to ensure that other healthcare teams involved in the care of the patient are aware of the DNACPR decision. These may include out of hours GP and nursing teams, the ambulance service, the hospital emergency department, community nurses, palliative care services and other specialist teams involved in caring for the patient. This can be done electronically or by safe fax.

Please ensure that all health and social care staff who have been informed, are aware of their responsibility to document the decision in their own records, as the original stays with the person.

Completing the DNACPR form (cont). . .

Communicating the DNACPR decision

x x x

Liverpool Community Health

Next of kin

x

Other important information: This needs to be very clear and precise, for

example if the patient is transferring care setting, include name, address and telephone number of the destination and next of kin.

Tear off slip: Once the form is complete, the tear off slip should

be placed in a clearly identified location and the location stated on the form. If the message in a bottle system is available this can be used.

Completing the DNACPR form (cont). . .

If the decision is cancelled, the DNACPR form should be crossed through with two diagonal lines, in black ball-point ink and “CANCELLED” clearly written between the lines.

The form should be signed and dated by the clinician cancelling the form.

 

Cancelling a DNACPR form

It is the responsibility of the person cancelling the DNACPR decision to communicate this to all parties informed of the original decision.

Cancelling a DNACPR form

Electronic forms must be printed off on lilac paper, signed and the lilac copy given to the patient. Copies should also be kept for audit purposes and notes.

If you are using triplicate paper forms – the lilac copy should be kept with the patient, the 1st white copy kept for audit and the 2nd white copy retained in the patients notes.

What happens when the form is completed?